Football 2 years ago

Diego Castro wins Johnny Warren Medal

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - APRIL 03: Diego Castro of the Glory celebrates after scoring during the round 26 A-League match between the Perth Glory and Melbourne City FC at nib Stadium on April 3, 2016 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The former La Liga player scored 13 goals and got four assists in his first Australian season.

A new-look panel featuring former players, media, referees and technical staff voted on each of the 135 regular-season matches to decide on the winner.

Uruguayan strike sensation Fornaroli took home the Golden Boot award for his record 23 regular-season goals, while Adelaide coach Guillermo Amor was named coach of the year for steering the Reds' stunning turnaround from dead last to winning the Premiers Plate and now preparing for Sunday's grand final against Western Sydney.

Melbourne City's Danish gloveman Thomas Sorensen collected the goalkeeper of the year award while Jamie Maclaren was named young footballer of the year.

Central Coast striker Roy O'Donovan's superb strike against Adelaide in round 25 was named goal of the year.

Larissa Crummer took out the W-League young footballer of the year award and the Golden Boot gong with 11 goals.

Meanwhile Jarred Gillet was again named A-League referee of the year.

In an award that may raise some eyebrows, Western Sydney was given the first Community Champion trophy.

The award was given by Football Federation Australia in recognition of their corporate social responsibility programs.

"The Wanderers' work has impacted the lives of the local community by creating awareness and raising funds to address the issues of domestic violence, bullying and racism throughout the western Sydney region," the FFA said.

The Wanderers were fined $50,000 by the FFA in February after ongoing violence problems with their fan group, including one incident in which 19 flares were lit simultaneously in the crowd.